www.wjec.co.uk/sciencegcse

Your guide to GCSE Science Igniting your passion for Science

Eight good reasons to choose WJEC

No unnecessary changes to the content

Increased flexibility enables candidates to combine tier units along the way

Built on WJEC’s strengths, identified by regulators in the GCSE Sciences review last year

Developed in consultation with teachers, examiners and academic institutions

Free new online resources, including interactive Teachers’ Guides and tagged exam questions

Free CPD training courses

Approachable, personal support from our subject specialist and administrative staff

Making science relevant to students’ life and work

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GCSE Physics

GCSE Chemistry

GCSE Biology

Additional Applied Science

AdditionalScience

Science B

Science A

PathwaysApplied

Science Level1 and 2 (QCF)

The purpose of this brochure is to introduce our

Science specifications accredited for teaching

from September 2011.

The new specifications have been refreshed and

updated to build on the strengths identified in the

most recent review by regulators.

There are no unnecessary changes to content but

consultation with teachers and academic

institutions has led to the inclusion of some new

material which appropriately reflects the

processes and techniques used by scientists

working today.

We have retained and even increased the

flexibility of our specifications, enabling

candidates to combine found -

ation and higher tier units

to change levels along

the way. We are also

introducing an

exciting new

Pathways

qualification in

Applied Science.

welcome!

Science B

Unit 1 Space, Energy& Life (50%)

Unit 2 Science & Lifein the ModernWorld (25%)

Unit 3Developing Skills in Science (25%)

100% (1 GCSE)

Additional Applied Science

Unit 1Science at Work (40%)

Unit 2Science Skills at Work (60%) 100%

(1 GCSE)

Biology 3(25%)

Chemistry 3(25%)

Physics 3(25%)

Biology(25%)

Chemistry 25%)

Physics (25%)

100%(1 GCSE)

100%(1 GCSE)

100%(1 GCSE)

External assessment

GCSE Science A and separate science subjects

GCSE Science B and Additional Applied Science

Internal assessment Qualification

www.wjec.co.uk/sciencegcse

Science A and Science B candidates may also take Additional Science or Additional Applied Science.

Biology Chemistry Physics

Science ABiology 1(25%)

Chemistry 1(25%)

Physics 1(25%)

3 short tasks(25%)

100% (1 GCSE)

AdditionalScience

Biology 2(25%)

Chemistry 2(25%)

Physics 2(25%)

1 investigation(25%)

100%(1 GCSE)

Eight new specificationsGCSE Science A Students develop their understanding of science and scientific processes

GCSE Additional Science Further develops scientific concepts

GCSE Biology

GCSE Chemistry

GCSE Physics

GCSE Science B Science in the context of life and work

GCSE Additional Applied Science Develops knowledge and skills in vocational contexts

Pathways Applied Science, Level 1 and 2 (QCF) Develops knowledge and skills in vocational contexts

Changes to WJEC Sciences - at a glanceIncreased qualification provision which allows mixing and matching of qualifications to meet learners’ needs

Controlled Assessment replaces coursework

We are introducing a new GCSE Science B specification

Suite of qualifications caters for a range of teaching styles and allows progression through a variety of routes

Very manageable requirements for controlled assessment, advocating a realistic use of time and resources

Brand new WJEC Pathways qualification set in a vocational context

Structures of assessment

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Separate GCSE subjects,designed to inspire,motivate and challenge

Chemistry 1 The Earth and itsResources

•Elements & thePeriodic Table•Compounds•Metals•Non-metals•Reactions of Acids•The Production &Uses of Fuels &Plastics•The Ever-ChangingEarth

1 hour examination60 marks25% weighting

u

Chemistry 2Atoms, Bonding andChemical Change

•Atomic Structure &the Periodic Table•Reactions of AlkaliMetals & Halogens•Chemical Bonding,Structure & Properties•Rate of ChemicalChange•Basic OrganicChemistry•ChemicalCalculations•Water

1 hour examination60 marks25% weighting

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Chemistry 3 The ChemicalIndustry and Analysis

•Additional OrganicChemistry •Reversible Reactions,Industrial Processes &Important Chemicals•Titration & MoleCalculations•Limestone•Chemical Analysis

1 hour examination60 marks25% weighting

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ChemistryInvestigation

Candidates mustcomplete one scientificinvestigation, based onthe subject content ofChemistry Units 1, 2and 3. The structure is: • Introductory/backgroundexperimental work•Investigatoryplanning & research•Investigation & report

Controlled assessmentapprox 6 – 8 hours48 marks25 % weighting

u

Science ACovers the compulsory National Curriculum Programme of Study for Science in England and Wales - an idealpreparation for students progressing to GCSE Additional Science or GCSE Additional Applied Science.

Students learn about the processes undertaken by the scientific community to validate their knowledge of theworld, and investigate ways in which science impacts on society - and vice versa.

Biology, Chemistry and PhysicsThese separate qualifications allow highly motivated students to explore the individual subjects in greaterdepth. Two of the units in each subject are common to Science A and Additional Science, so students have theflexibility to delay their final decisions until learning is well under way. Topics are designed to inspire andenthuse students with their contemporary relevance and vital importance in today’s society.

GCSE Additional ScienceBuilds on Science A, increasing the depth of scientific concepts students have already learned. Students refinetheir research skills, study the effects of science on society, develop their awareness of risk and understand theimportance of scale in science.

GCSE CHEMISTRY

Biology 1 Adaptation, Evolutionand BodyMaintenance

•Variety of Life,Adaptation &Competition•Monitoring theEnvironment, EnergyFlow & NutrientTransfer•Inheritance•Variation•Evolution•Response &Regulation•Health

1 hour examination60 marks25% weighting

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Chemistry 1The Earth and itsResources

•Elements & thePeriodic Table•Compounds•Metals•Non-metals•Reactions of Acids•The Production &uses of Fuels &Plastics•The Ever-changingEarth

1 hour examination60 marks25% weighting

u

Physics 1Energy, Radiation andthe Universe

•Generation ofElectricity•Transmission ofElectricity•Energy Supply & theHome•Energy Transfer•The Characteristicsof Waves•Ionising Radiation•The Solar System & itsPlace in an EvolvingUniverse

1 hour examination60 marks25% weighting

u

Science A ControlledAssessment

Three short, cross-subject exercisesbased upon subjectcontent of Biology 1,Chemistry 1 andPhysics 1•Research & use ofInformation•Practical work &Hypothesis testing•ExperimentalTechniques & Safety

3-4 hours63 marks25% weighting

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GCSE SCIENCE A

Biology 2 Cells andMetabolism, Digestionand Respiration,Biodiversity

•Cells & Cell Processes•Substances Enter &Leave Cells throughthe Cell Membrane•Photosynthesis•Respiration•Digestion•Respiratory System•Biodiversity &Environment

I hour examination 60 marks25% weighting

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Chemistry 2 Atoms, Bonding andChemical Change

•Atomic Structure &the Periodic table•Reactions of AlkaliMetals & Halogens•Chemical Bonding,Structure & Properties•Rate of ChemicalChange•Basic OrganicChemistry•ChemicalCalculations•Water

1 hour examination60 marks25% weighting

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Physics 2Electricity, Forces andNuclear Physics

•Simple ElectricalCircuits•Distance, Speed andAcceleration•The Effect of Forces•Interactions betweenObjects•The Half-Life ofRadioactiveMaterials & theNature of NuclearRadiations•Nuclear Structure,Fission & Fusion

1 hour examination60 marks25% weighting

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Additional Science

One investigationchosen from a list ofthree, each basedupon the subjectcontent of Biology 2,Chemistry 2 andPhysics 2(controlledassessment)

approx 6-8 hours 48 marks25 % weighting

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GCSE ADDITIONAL SCIENCE

Physics 1 Energy, Radiation andthe Universe

•Generation ofElectricity•Transmission ofElectricity•Energy Supply & theHome•Energy Transfer•The Characteristicsof Waves •Ionising Radiation•The Solar System & itsPlace in an EvolvingUniverse

1 hour examination60 marks25% weighting

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Physics 2 Electricity, Forces andNuclear Physics

•Simple ElectricalCircuits•Distance, Speed &Acceleration•The Effect of Forces•Interactions betweenobjects •The half life ofRadioactive Materials& the Nature ofNuclear Radiations•Nuclear Structure,Fission & Fusion

1 hour examination60 marks25% weighting

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Physics 3Electromagnetism,Waves, Kinetic Theory,Nucleosynthesis

•Electromagnetism•The Properties ofWaves & their use ininvestigating thestructure of the Earth•Motion•Kinetic Theory•The Origin of theChemical Elements

1 hour examination60 marks25% weighting

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Physics Investigation

Candidates mustcomplete onescientific investigation,based on the subjectcontent of Physics Units1, 2 and 3. The structure is: • Introductory/backgroundexperimental work•Investigatoryplanning & research•Investigation & report

Controlled assessmentapprox 6 – 8 hours48 marks25 % weighting

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GCSE PHYSICS

Biology 1 Adaptation, Evolutionand BodyMaintenance

•Variety of Life,Adaptation &Competition•Monitoring theEnvironment, EnergyFlow & NutrientTransfer•Inheritance•Variation•Evolution•Response &Regulation•Health

1 hour examination60 marks25% weighting

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Biology 2 Cells andMetabolism, Digestionand Respiration,Biodiversity

•Cells & Cell Processes •Substances Enter &Leave Cells throughthe Cell Membrane•Photosynthesis•Respiration•Digestion•Respiratory System•Biodiversity &Environment

1 hour examination60 marks25% weighting

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Biology 3Transport in Plantsand Animals,Homeostasis,Microorganisms andDisease

•Plants, Water &Nutrients•Blood & Circulation•Nervous System•Role of the Kidney inHomeostasis•Microorganisms &Disease•Microorganisms &their Applications

1 hour examination60 marks25% weighting

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Biology Investigation

Candidates mustcomplete onescientific investigation,based on the subjectcontent of BiologyUnits 1, 2 and 3. The structure is: • Introductory/backgroundexperimental work•Investigatoryplanning & research•Investigation & report

Controlled assessmentapprox 6 – 8 hours48 marks25 % weighting

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GCSE BIOLOGY

www.wjec.co.uk/sciencegcsewww.wjec.co.uk/sciencegcse

www.wjec.co.uk/sciencegcsewww.wjec.co.uk/sciencegcse

Science BThis new qualification places the science we learn into the context of the environment in which we live andwork. It involves the application of science and the solving of practical problems.

Science B is designed to prepare candidates for further study in applied and vocational science, or foremployment in industry. If they wish, students may follow Science B with GCSE Additional Science.

Additional Applied ScienceThis single award GCSE is separate from GCSE Science A or Science B and can follow either. It is intended toinspire students who wish to study science in a vocational context after a general science course and is analternative to GCSE Additional Science.

The four headings have been chosen to help learners connect what they learn with the way in which science isused to solve problems in the “real world”.

Unit 1 Space, Energy and Life

Our changing world•The biosphere•Sustainability•Environmental pressures

Exploring Space•The Electromagnetic Spectrum•The Big Bang•Planetary Science

Energy for SupportingLifestyles

•Useful energy production•Making the most of ourenergy•Energy use & our Planet

1¼ hour examination (withsection based upon pre-release)70 marks50% weighting

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Unit 2 Science and Life in the Modern World

Chemicals for a purpose•The basics for understandingchemical change•Using neutralisation reactions•Metals & their extraction•Polymerisation - makingplastics

Science for Healthy Living•Genetic counselling•Lifestyle & Health•Diagnosis & treatment

1 hour examination60 marks25% weighting

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Unit 3Developing Skills in Science (Controlled Assessment)

Working safely in scienceCarrying out practical tasks

Students develop practical skillsin the contexts described inUnits 1 and 2.

Two practical tasks: •Task A - a practicalinvestigation•Task B - an investigation usingdata collected from a varietyof sources (surveys, internetsearches, libraries etc)

Approx. 4½ hours 60 marks25% weighting

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GCSE SCIENCE B

Unit 1 Science at Work

Science and Health•People and organisations working with health•Physiological changes associated with exercise•Movement and the human body•Monitoring and improving health and fitness

Materials for a Purpose•People, organisations and industry•Selecting materials for a purpose

Scientific Detection•People and procedures•Background Science•Carrying out analysis

Producing Food for the Future•People and regulation•Food Production•Food Processing

1 hour examination 60 marks40% weighting

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Unit 2Science Skills at Work (Controlled Assessment)

This unit covers the practical skills needed in thelaboratory, industry and workplace, to:

Manage Health and SafetyDevise and Carry Out a Scientific Investigation

The Controlled Assessment is based upon thethemes found in Unit 1 and comprises three tasks:

•Task A - Risk Assessment of a work based activity•Task B - Practical Activity•Task C - Practical Activity

approx 9 hours 94 marks60% weighting

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GCSE ADDITIONAL APPLIED SCIENCE

www.wjec.co.uk/sciencegcsewww.wjec.co.uk/sciencegcse

WJEC Pathways Applied Science Inclusive, responsive, accessible WJEC's level 1 and 2 Pathways Applied Science qualifications are set within the Qualifications and CreditFramework (QCF), designed to provide students, learning providers and employers with a regulated, flexiblequalifications framework recognising the widest possible range of achievement.

These new qualifications give much of the underpinning knowledge and understanding needed for theNational Occupational Standards in Laboratory Science and Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities.They also provide the opportunity to develop a range of practical and essential skills

Flexible combinationsWJEC’s Pathways Applied Science units can be combined with other WJEC Science qualifications. For example,learners may take GCSE Science B in year 10 and follow this with 15 credits of Applied Science units in year 11,achieving a certificate in WJEC Pathways Applied Science. Learners who take GCSE Science and GCSE AdditionalScience may also pick up credits from the Pathways Applied Science as part of an enrichment programme.

Units have been designed to have common core content at Levels 1 and 2. This allows centres to co-teachlearners, enabling each learner to achieve the most appropriate level in a particular unit. The decision on thelevel of the qualification that learners achieve is then made at the cash-in stage.

From Level 1, learners can progress to a range of Level 2 qualifications, such as Level 2 Pathways AppliedScience, relevant science-based NVQ qualifications such as Laboratory and Associated Technical ActivitiesLevel 2. From Level 2, learners can progress to Level 3 Vocational and Applied Science qualifications, includingGCE Applied Science or relevant science-based NVQ qualifications, for example Laboratory and AssociatedTechnical Activities Level 3.

Making teaching vocationally relevantThe content of WJEC’s Pathways Applied Science qualification is all vocationally relevant. Within the Health andPhysiology unit, for example, students learn how the physiological systems of the body are affected by thelifestyle choices individuals make. They study the effects of factors such as diet, exercise, smoking and drinking,and demonstrate these through specific physiological tests.

To see such tests taking place in real workplaces, centres may arrange visits to see medical technicians at workin hospitals or other health care environments.

AssessmentAll WJEC Pathways Applied Science (QCF) units are internally assessed and externally moderated. Level 1 and 2units are assessed through controlled assessment. Students are entered for the appropriate level of assessmentonce learning for a unit is completed, allowing individuals to progress at the rate which best suits their needs.

Model assignments are available from WJEC, and these can be adapted by centres to suit the needs of theirlearners and resources.

Units and gradingQualifications are available as Awards, Certificates, Extended Certificates and Diplomas, depending on thenumber of credits achieved. Level 2 qualifications are graded Distinction*, Distinction, Merit and Pass, andLevel 1 qualifications graded Merit and Pass.

There is a wide range of stimulating units available, as set out opposite.

Level 1

Qualification Size Level 1 Level 2

Award (minimum of 5 credits) At least 3 credits at level 1 At least 3 credits at level 2

Certificate (15 credits) At least 8 credits at level 1 At least 8 credits at level 2

Extended certificate (30 credits) At least 16 credits at level 1 At least 16 credits at level 2

Diploma (60 credits) At least 31 credits at level 1 At least 31 credits at level 2

Mandatory Units for Diploma Credit Value

The impacts of Obtaining Useful Substances 2

Making Useful Compounds 3

Mimicking Sensory Systems to Solve Problems 5

How Human Activity Affects the Environment 3

How the Body Responds to Change 2

Health and Safety in Science 5

Using Science to Test Claims 5

Optional units for Diploma

Chemical Detection 5

Science for a Healthy Body 5

Making Electronic Circuits 5

Controlling the Growth of Micro-organisms 5

Science of Movement 5

Energy for the Future 5

Obtaining Clean Water 5

Science and Clothing 5

Crops and Sustainability 5

Using Science to Care for Animals 5

Level 2

Mandatory Units for Diploma Credit Value

Environmental and Social Impacts of Obtaining Useful Substances 2

Using Chemistry to Prepare Useful Compounds 3

Using Science to Enhance Sensory Perception 5

Science of Human Activity on the Environment 3

Maintaining and Improving Optimal State 2

Health and Safety in Scientific Investigations 5

Testing Claims Scientifically 5

Optional units for Diploma

Scientific Detection 10

Health and Physiology 5

Using Electronics to Make Devices 5

Using Science to Prevent Infection 5

Biometric Solutions 5

Science of Movement 5

Harvesting Light for a Purpose 5

Energy Capture for the Future 5

Obtaining Clean Water 5

Science and Intelligent Clothing 5

Growing Crops for the Future 5

Science of Animal Care 5

Further information about WJEC’s Pathways Applied Science, including details of the rules of combination, isavailable on www.wjec.co.uk/appliedsciencepathways

ResourcesTeachers’ Guides accompanying the specifications are available on WJEC’s website. They include interactivelinks to relevant resources, and a digital databank including tagged examination questions which can be usedto create worksheets or tests as practice for candidates. WJEC is working closely with www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk (National Grid for Learning Wales) to create a stimulatingnew range of online science resources bridging Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. Students can learn interactively andprogress according to their ability, rather than their year group.

New textbooksHodder's comprehensive new textbooks WJEC GCSE Science and WJEC GCSE Additional Science, by AdrianSchmit and Jeremy Pollard, will support teaching by providing inspirational ideas and stimuli - how to evaluatescience and draw conclusions; the implications of science for society and the importance of practical work.They will be available from www.wjec.co.uk/bookshop in the 2011 summer and autumn terms respectively.

Other sources of informationUseful information can also be obtained from: the Society of Biology www.societyofbiology.org, Institute ofPhysics www.iop.org, Royal Society of Chemistry www.rsc.org and the Association for Science Educationwww.ase.org.ukResearchers in Residence brings together researchers, young people and teachers via exciting and innovativeplacements in secondary schools and colleges across the UK, and can provide up to 24 hrs of support forschools. For more information go to www.researchersinresidence.ac.ukSTEM Clubs Network (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) allows students to explore STEMsubjects in a stimulating learning environment, away from the constraints of the school timetable or aprescribed curriculum. Further information is available from www.stemclubs.net and for details about localschemes, visit www.stemdirectories.org.ukFor more information about support for Physics Teachers within the Institute of Physics, go to www.iop.org orcontact Angharad Thomas Angharad.Thomas@iop.org (National Officer Wales). For more information aboutthe British Science Association or details about Crest Awards, go to www.britishscienceassociation.org orcontact Liz Terry wales@britishscienceassociation.org (Regional Officer Wales)

Support - ask the expertsGCSE Science A, Additional Science and separate sciences

Biology Subject Officer Dr Janet Jones 029 2026 5126 janet.jones@wjec.co.ukChemistry Subject Officer Jonathan Owen 029 2026 5057 jonathan.owen@wjec.co.uk Physics Subject Officer Gareth Kelly 029 2026 5081 gareth.kelly@wjec.co.ukSubject Support Officer Rhian Naish 029 2026 5140 rhian.naish@wjec.co.uk

GCSE Science B, Applied Science and Additional Applied Science

Subject Officer Brian Harris 029 2026 5147 brian.harris@wjec.co.uk Subject Support Officer Sarah Price 029 2026 5103 sarah.price@wjec.co.ukSubject Support Officer Matthew Roberts 029 2026 5380 matthew.roberts@wjec.co.uk

Training coursesInformation about free training courses in locations throughout England and Wales, leading up to theintroduction of the new specifications can be found on our website - www.wjec.co.uk/professionaldevelopment

WJEC, 245 Western Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2YX 029 2026 5000

science@wjec.co.uk www.wjec.co.uk/sciencegcse

FAQsWhat is the minimum requirement for candidates who want to take GCE AS/A level in

Biology/Chemistry/Physics?

The content of either Science A or Science B and Additional Science will generally be required as a minimum.

Are candidates still able to re-take units?

Yes, but there is a maximum of one re-take for any given unit.

What is the 40% terminal assessment rule?

Candidates must complete at least 40% of the assessment at the end of the course.

What is the National Curriculum (NC) compulsory programme of study?

This is a legally binding core of science that must be taught to learners aged 14 – 16. It is covered within

Science A and B, and all three GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Can a candidate opt to study GCSEs in Chemistry and Physics but not Biology?

No, the NC compulsory programme of study includes aspects of all three subjects.

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